United Nations Secretary General welcomed this movecalling it “An important step towards reducing tensions and creating an important space for diplomacy and confidence-building Between Iran and the United States.”
In a statement issued by his spokesman late Tuesday, Antonio Guterres urged all parties to “refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire” and engage creatively In negotiations towards a permanent solution.
He also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate talks and expressed hope that they could help create conditions for a “comprehensive and durable” solution.
However, the status of those talks remains unclear.
Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz.
Increasing threats in the Strait of Hormuz
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, tensions remain in and around the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints – and tit-for-tat vessels have been reported intercepted off the Iranian coast.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors maritime safety, reported that a cargo ship west of Iran came under fire and was forced to stop, while a container ship northeast of Oman suffered heavy damage to its bridge after being targeted by an armed vessel. In both cases, the crews were reported safe.
The narrow waterway, linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, carries a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supply. Maritime traffic has declined sharply and insurance costs have increased since the US-Israeli bombing of Iran began in late February.
protect sailors
The head of the UN maritime agency gave a warning statement Later on Wednesday it was reported that the situation remained “extremely volatile”.
“Attacks and seizure of commercial vessels are unacceptable,IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez called for “these reckless actions to be stopped” and for the affected ships and crew to be released.
He described the conditions facing sailors in the region as extremely uncertain, citing “continued tension over missiles” and ongoing uncertainty for the approximately 20,000 crew members still stranded after several weeks of disruption.
“De-escalation, meaningful action and restoring freedom of navigation is the only way forward.he adds.
humanitarian tensions in lebanon
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a separate 10-day ceasefire has allowed thousands of displaced families to return, although many homes and other infrastructure have been damaged during fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNO)OCHA), More than 120,000 people have been displaced into collective shelters across the country, despite a 20 percent decline since the ceasefire began On 17th April.
Return restrictions remain in many areas of southern Lebanon due to the ongoing military presence At least 74 areas are still considered unsafe.
Destroyed buildings and debris in the Basta neighborhood of Beirut, Lebanon.
Peacemaker succumbed to his injuries
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the death of another French peacekeeper who was seriously injured in an attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Corporal Anisette Girardin, 31, was killed when he was hit by explosive ordnance disposal team fire while clearing a road to restore access to UN positions.
Sergeant-chef Florian Montorio was also killed in that attack and another peacekeeper was injured. Initial assessments from the mission indicate that the peacekeepers likely came under fire from Hezbollah militants.
he was the fifth unifil Peacekeepers killed during current hostilities.
Growing needs and critical services
Humanitarian needs remain acute, with response limited due to access constraints, lack of funding and persistent stress.
Food prices have increased by six percent since February.The pressure on already vulnerable families is increasing. Many families are selling assets or borrowing to cope, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of the crisis.
According to Lebanese officials, more than 22 percent of agricultural land has been affected by the hostilities, and more than three quarters of farmers in southern Lebanon have been forced to suspend work.
“Across Lebanon, women are playing a vital role in maintaining families and supporting communities during the crisis,” said Imran Riza, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. He stressed that their security and leadership must remain at the center of the response.
In the southern city of Tyre, displaced women are leading community efforts to aid access to food through initiatives supported by UN agencies and local partners, and preparing thousands of daily meals.
At the same time, The health system is under severe stress.
Six hospitals have been forced to close, 15 of which sustained damage, while dozens of primary health centers are no longer operational.
Since the beginning of March, the World Health Organization (Who) have recorded 147 attacks on health care, resulting in 100 deaths and more than 230 injuries among medical staff.
